5 Yoga Breathing Techniques To Lose Weight

Losing 20 kilos is definitely not easy. But if you have to spend hours working out in a gym or hours running on the tracks outdoors, it’s tedious as well as expensive.

How about some simple and inexpensive breathing techniques that can help you lose weight? Yes, you heard it right! The secret to shrinking your beer belly is also in your nose. Check out the 5 yoga breathing techniques that help you to lose weight.

1. Kapalbhati

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This yoga technique is also known as the breath of fire technique. Made popular by yog guru Baba Ramdev, this breathing technique is a very helpful weight loss exercise. Sit cross-legged on your yoga mat, body straight, elongated spine, neck and chin up. Close your eyes and place hands on your knees in a comfortable position. Breathe in deeply and exhale the air out of your nose as if a sniff. When you sniff out the air, you’ll feel your abdomen pulling inwards. Slowly increase the pace and continue up to 5-10 minutes at a stretch.

2. Bhastrika Pranayama

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This pranayama is meant to provide enough amount of fresh oxygen to your body. Your legs should be crossed, one over the other in a padmasana. Place hands on your knees with palms facing upwards, the tip of your thumb and ring finger pressing one against the other. Take normal breaths and relax. Now breathe in deeply with all your strength so that your lung is filled with oxygen. Then breathe out forcefully though the nose such that a hissing sound is made. Repeat this for 5-10 times.

3. Anulom Vilom Pranayama

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This yoga technique is also known as alternate nostril breathing. Sit with cross-legged on a mat and relax. Close your eyes and keep all your muscles relaxed. Now press the right nostril with the thumb of your right hand and breathe in through the left nostril. Count until 5 to retain the breath. Then do vice-versa with the other nostril. This way you complete one round of this pranayama. Repeat some 10-15 rounds more to lose weight. This exercise should be done in fresh air before having your breakfast.

4. Surya Namaskar

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There are twelve steps in Surya Namaskar. Each of these poses is accompanied with sequenced breathing which if done with concentration and accuracy promotes weight loss toning up your entire body.

5. Seated Spinal Twist

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This technique is also known as Ardha Matsyendrasana, spinal twists works on your abdomen and back. Sit on the yoga mat with your legs extended before you. Bend your right knee and bring the heels as much close to your buttocks as possible. Now fold your left knee and cross it over your right knee. Your left foot ankle should be just by the side of your right knee. Take your left arm and place it behind you with the palm on the floor. Your right arm should be touching the toes of your left foot. Now that you have positioned yourself, take in a deep breath and elongate your spine. Twist your torso to your left and look over your left shoulder. As you twist, exhale. Inhale and straighten your spine; exhale and twist. Stay for 5 breaths and release the twist. Now twist to the other side too.